Chapter 526

Chapter 526
Chapter 526. The Monster That Eats Despair (11)

—

A certain question had always lingered in my mind. Throughout my previous existence, the majority of the official directives delivered to us seemed utterly foolish. I had long desired to uncover what transpires behind the scenes to result in such absurd commands being issued.

“Ultimately, we have no choice but to view the entirety of this vast Sword Tomb as a single, massive snare.”

This was the deduction reached after an hour of intense discussion. It was a reality our companions had grasped the instant they witnessed the corrupted martial artists marching alongside the Jiangshis.

“But is it truly possible to confirm it as a trap? Were the ancient inheritances unearthed from this place not demonstrably authentic?”

“Mmm… in that case, must we assume they crossed into this domain with the sole intent of seizing those inheritances for themselves?”

Yet, that very deduction was immediately reset to square one by the introduction of this fresh skepticism. They ordered their attendants to serve fresh tea while smoothing out their robes, appearing quite intrigued by this latest angle of discussion.

*’What in the world are these people trying to accomplish?’*

Driven by sheer inquisitiveness, I spoke up.

“If we assume this isn’t an ambush, then what exactly do you believe we are dealing with?”

Gwang-cho-ryang, known as the Earth-Light Fist Saint, knitted his brows in irritation.

“Is that not the precise matter we are currently debating?”

“No, my point is, does that even matter right now?”

“Without a thorough understanding of the adversary, formulating a correct countermeasure is impossible. Are you genuinely ignorant of such a fundamental concept?”

His dismissive manner made my blood boil, but because of the vast gap in seniority, any argument I put forth would simply fall on deaf ears.

“So your plan is to sit here holding councils indefinitely until the foe launches their assault?”

“How utterly dimwitted… *tsk*.”

The elder figures of the Jianghu, with Gwang-cho-ryang leading the sentiment, collectively clicked their tongues in disapproval as they stared at me. No, damn it, am I really the one losing my mind here?

“Along the routes we traversed, corrupted humans and Jiangshis were lurking in practically every single cavern. If we remain stationary, we are going to be completely encircled.”

“This location features a soaring ceiling and clear sightlines in every direction, making it highly improbable for the enemy to mount a stealthy ambush. Moreover, with our forces deployed at every tunnel leading into the Central Hall, this environment provides us with the perfect defensive stronghold.”

Doesn’t that just mean, from the opposite perspective, that we are completely trapped and unable to leave?

“Are you blind to the reason why the adversary went to the trouble of surrounding us and blocking the paths connecting the Central Hall to the primary route?”

“The Central Hall is a strategic position that we claimed before they could, turning it into a fortified zone that they dare not recklessly assault.”

What absolute garbage. Did he study from an entirely different manual of warfare than the one I read? It’s not as if there are two different historical figures named Sun Tzu, so how can he spout such utter drivel?

“This isn’t a successful occupation; it’s a siege. If we waste time like this, the second our food reserves and fresh water deplete, every single person trapped inside this Central Hall will perish.”

“Do you truly not comprehend why we selected the Central Hall as our base? Within this very chamber, five distinct water sources flow continuously. Furthermore, the rations we have accumulated are more than enough to sustain us for a long duration.”

A flowing stream inevitably traces back to its source. The corrupted martial artists have already taken control of all the upper branches, and besides, where do you think the fluids from the dead bodies filling those caverns will drain? It won’t be long before all five subterranean streams become completely toxic.

“Sigh… dealing with an ignorant novice… having to hold a strategic summit with someone where I must explain every basic concept from start to finish is utterly exhausting.”

Gwang-cho-ryang was renowned as a top-tier master from the older generation. His martial skills were formidable enough to allow him to found the Sang-gwon-mun. Yet right now, I felt an overwhelming urge to disregard all protocols of status and challenge him to a brawl. Even if it meant being beaten to a pulp, I desperately wanted to smash that arrogant mouth of his.

“Whew… then let me ask a solitary question. What exactly is the objective of our assembled force… this vanguard… or whatever we are called? Is our goal to break free?”

“We refuse to jeopardize the safety of the righteous practitioners of the Baek-do factions by plunging them into needless danger.”

“In that case, why not form a temporary alliance with the Huk-do members to keep casualties to a minimum?”

Gwang-cho-ryang looked at me with deep revulsion, as if he might actually become sick.

“Since when did the Tae-eul-mun become a faction that wavers between light and darkness? How can you suggest joining hands with those treacherous beasts so casually?”

“Then… what exactly is your plan of action?”

“The Third Investigation Team from the Murim Alliance, along with the scout forces from various other sects, are currently making their way inside. We intend to link up with them, eradicate the wicked forces, and secure a permanent Baek-do stronghold within this Sword Tomb.”

Simply put, their grand strategy was to dig in their heels and stubbornly wait.

“Are you absolutely positive about that?”

“I have received word that the Second Investigation Team has already breached the area, and the Third Investigation Team is en route. Naturally, they will arrive.”

Is this some elaborate, innovative way to commit mass suicide?

“…”

Speechless, I could only stare at them.

Once they finalized their verdict that ‘it remains unclear if the Sword Tomb serves as an adversary’s snare,’ they pivoted to the next agenda item: ‘how to bide our time until the reinforcements from the Murim Alliance arrive.’ As they began discussing this topic with grandiose phrasing to make it sound highly sophisticated, my patience evaporated, and I stormed out of the command tent.

No one attempted to stop me as I walked away. Instead, numerous individuals threw icy glares in my direction, clearly wondering why I hadn’t removed myself sooner. Zen Master Cheon-sim alone showed genuine sorrow over my departure. Without offering any specific parting words to the others, Zen Master Cheon-sim followed closely behind me, even though he had no obligation to leave.

“Does the direction of their council displease you?”

Observing my expression, Zen Master Cheon-sim offered a warm grin, as though reading my thoughts perfectly.

“Displeasure doesn’t even begin to cover it. Unless they are actively seeking their own demise, how can they waste precious moments on such foolishness?”

“Your outlook on the matter is remarkably dark.”

Dark? If we commit to a stubborn siege in this place, the absolute best-case scenario under the most hopeful outlook is absolute annihilation. A slight miscalculation means falling into the hands of the corrupted humans to face agonizing torment. And if the worst comes to pass, they will end up reanimated as Jiangshis, forced to clash against the Murim Alliance in the ultimate Great War between the Righteous and Demonic destined to erupt in the future.

Beyond all that, the absolute ultimate factor preventing me from placing any faith in this council is—

※ **Class A**

* **Report of Deceased**
· **Ji-gwang-gwon-seong Gwang-cho-ryang**
· **Ssang-jang-jin-seong Gal-sang-tak**
· **Geum-do-sin-gun Yeong-uk-jae**
· **Nam-hae-sin-ni Sa-su-ae**
· **Dok-bi-pae-do Bae-do-yeon**
Along with numerous other martial artists.

Every single one of these individuals met their end right here in the Sword Tomb during my previous lifetime. That grim knowledge is why I absolutely cannot rely on their strategic insights.

“In your estimation, what path should we pursue?”

“We need to break out of here.”

I turned my gaze toward Zen Master Cheon-sim.

“I simply cannot fathom why they opted for a passive waiting strategy.”

It would be too simple to merely label them as fools, given that they are undoubtedly aware of the dangers I highlighted during the conference. In fact, throughout the session, every single time a fresh pot of tea was brought in, a master from the Dang Clan utilized a needle to test for toxins. This proved they weren’t entirely oblivious to the perils I pointed out. Consequently, the absurd notions they voiced during the council might actually be a calculated display of ignorance.

“Are you privy to some hidden information, perhaps?”

Noticing the enigmatic grin on his face, I inquired further, but Zen Master Cheon-sim merely shook his head in denial.

“Not in the slightest. I have no concrete clues. However, I can share that this brand of behavior is an incredibly common occurrence within the higher echelons of the Murim Alliance.”

“Excuse me? What makes you say that?”

“When an individual occupies a position of that caliber, circumstances eventually arise where they must mislead their very own allies.”

“…”

As I processed his words, a peculiar sensation washed over me.

“This might strike you as entirely random, but what is the reason you show such deep consideration for me?”

Throughout our encounters, both regarding the Gong-gong-sin-su incident and during the high-level gatherings of the Murim-dan, Zen Master Cheon-sim consistently elevated my status to an almost unwarranted degree while intentionally keeping himself in the background. Such behavior directly contradicted standard martial arts etiquette regarding age and standing. Furthermore, given the immense prestige associated with Shaolin, the choices Zen Master Cheon-sim had made up to this point could easily be interpreted as compromising the honor of the Shaolin Temple.

“Oh? Heheh. It appears you lack the capacity to view yourself through an impartial lens.”

“What are you trying to imply?”

“Let’s just say there are reasons.”

“…”

“No doubt you also questioned my motives for insisting you join the leadership council?”

“That is correct.”

“You gave your word that you would guide our forces safely to the Central Hall.”

Zen Master Cheon-sim locked his gaze onto mine, his expression turning solemn.

“And you fulfilled that promise. That alone earned you a seat at that table.”

“…What?”

What could he possibly mean by that?

“You seem so utterly unaffected that you cannot even comprehend your own impact. The truth will dawn on you eventually—the realization of what sort of individual you truly are, and how profoundly you sway those around you.”

After uttering those baffling words, Zen Master Cheon-sim abruptly shifted the conversation.

“Are you planning to return to your quarters? Or do you require some solitary reflection?”

I scanned our surroundings. Putting aside the cryptic remarks from Zen Master Cheon-sim, my immediate priority was unearthing the hidden agenda of the Murim-dan. What precisely compelled them to advocate for remaining stationary, and what secrets were they attempting to conceal? Pondering Zen Master Cheon-sim’s question for a brief instant, I shook my head in refusal.

“I intend to explore the area a little further before turning in.”

“Take care not to strain yourself, for your physical injuries remain severe.”

With that, I redirected my steps toward the far side of the cavern.

As I carefully observed the various groups assembled throughout the Central Hall, highly unsettling details caught my attention, revealing that our current predicament was far more dire than initially assumed. The state of affairs among the Huk-do faction, in particular, appeared significantly more wretched than that of the Baek-do coalition. I spotted desperate men squabbling fiercely over mere scraps of discarded food, and unattended corpses lay scattered about due to a lack of proper medical care. A striking number of them appeared to have succumbed to outright starvation, indicating that the supply shortage plagued the Huk-do camp far more severely than the Baek-do side. It struck me as incredibly bizarre that the Huk-do members steadfastly refused to unite with the Baek-do forces, even as their circumstances degenerated to the absolute brink.

I was well aware of the deep-seated hatred the Huk-do harbored toward the Baek-do. Yet, the notion that these egoistic criminals—who typically valued survival and self-interest above all else—would rigidly cling to their factional pride at the cost of their very lives was difficult to comprehend. After all, even a rogue like Do-kwang-su, who had never once paid respects at his family ancestral burial grounds, had transformed into a zealous Buddhist practitioner purely out of a desperate urge to survive. To a typical Huk-do member, refusing to rely on a Baek-do warrior should not have taken precedence over staying alive.

“Identify yourself.”

As I drifted through the perimeter of the Huk-do encampment, a few martial artists stepped forward to intercept me. Without hesitation, I declared my name and position.

“My name is Jin-so-un, and I serve as the Hall Master for the Yoseong-dang of the Murim Alliance.”

I offered a polite fist-in-palm gesture. Despite learning of my official post, none of the men breathed a word to offer their own names in return.

“And what business does a piece of Baek-do trash have loitering around the territory of the Huk-do?”

“Could you perhaps grant me the honor of your name?”

“What reason do you have to learn my name?”

Good grief. The exhaustion was truly setting in. One faction drained my energy with their convoluted politics and passive-aggressive remarks, while this faction wore me down with sheer hostility.

“Wouldn’t it be far more civilized for me to address you as ‘Great Hero Mo’ or ‘Brother Oh’ instead of resorting to ‘this guy’ or ‘that guy’?”

“You insolent whelp!”

*Clang-clang-clang-clatter—*

The surrounding Huk-do fighters who overheard our exchange instantly flew into a rage, unsheathing their blades and pressing the cold steel directly against my throat. I remained completely motionless, refusing to flinch. The hostile speaker narrowed his eyes, clearly unsettled by my absolute composure, studying my facial features intently.

“Are you claiming that you hold no fear of our weapons?”

“That isn’t it. If my life ends here, won’t it simply trigger another bloody conflict between the Huk-do and the Baek-do?”

“…Another conflict?”

“Am I mistaken?”

The lacerations on the deceased bodies around us clearly originated from Baek-do martial styles. Combined with the massive toll from starvation, it was obvious a massive skirmish had taken place right here.

“Your powers of observation are sharp.”

“A person doesn’t ascend to the rank of Hall Master within the Yoseong-dang without possessing some measure of competence.”

“You may call me Baek-ta.”

“Ah…”

A soft gasp escaped my lips involuntarily. This man was none other than Gong-son-pung, renowned as the Baek-ta-gwon-gaek, an esteemed figure counted among the Five Fists of the Huk-do alongside the bloodbath masters. His physical appearance was surprisingly youthful. Given that his reputation had echoed across the Jianghu for upwards of two decades, he must have attained profound martial mastery during his youth.

“It is an unexpected honor to cross paths with a senior of your stature, Gong-son-pung, the legendary Baek-ta-gwon-gaek.”

“…Cut straight to your purpose.”

“What prevents your faction from coordinating with the Baek-do?”

“…”

The brief hint of amiability in Gong-son-pung’s eyes vanished, replaced by a cynical glare.

“Are you asking this because you are merely a naive youth oblivious to the harsh realities of the world?”

“If you happen to know of my background, please spare me the condescension. Senior, you surely comprehend the sheer difficulty of managing the Yoseong-dang as a true disciple of the Tae-eul-mun, do you not?”

Gong-son-pung had previously occupied a grey area between the Righteous and Evil paths. Though he had now firmly aligned himself with the Huk-do, he once maintained numerous close ties within the Baek-do circles.

“My reasoning is quite straightforward. The Jiangshis and the corrupted humans have shown themselves. Their objective is unmistakable. Why refuse to join forces? Is it due to potential disadvantages?”

Hearing my query, Gong-son-pung fell silent, contemplating deeply. Eventually, he spoke in a measured cadence.

“Very well. Since you maintain that you are no ignorant novice, I will speak to you plainly. The issue at hand is not about mutual assistance. It centers entirely on who is exploiting whom.”

“I realize that massive casualties are anticipated on both sides. Therefore…”

“That is not what I am referring to.”

“What do you mean, then?”

Gong-son-pung’s eyes started to tremble erratically, as though he were violently suppressing a massive surge of inner turmoil.

*’What dark memory is resurfacing for him right now…’*

His visible distress was deeply unsettling. For a martial artist who had scaled the heights of power like Gong-son-pung’s, emotional outbursts should have been virtually non-existent under normal principles.

“It appears you remain completely unaware of the Heuk-wang-ryeong.”

“The Heuk-wang… the what?”

I could have sworn he uttered the word for a phantom or specter… surely my ears were playing tricks on me…

*Grind.*

Gong-son-pung gnashed his teeth aggressively in the direction of the Baek-do encampment.

“The Heuk-wang-ryeong… those hypocritical Baek-do bastards planned to offer us up as sacrificial bait to the Heuk-wang-ryeong, dangling paltry rations over our heads to force our compliance.”

“…”

I could only blink in utter bewilderment. The narrative Gong-son-pung was weaving made absolutely no sense to me whatsoever.

“Hold on… regarding this Heuk-wang-ryeong… are you implying we are dealing with an actual phantom?”

To think that a master of global renown like the Baek-ta-gwon-gaek could be paralyzed by fear over an apparition… My skeptical response evidently struck a nerve, because his face instantly contorted into the mask of a horrific fiend.

“It is absolutely not a phantom!”

Gong-son-pung’s lower lip shook uncontrollably.

“It isn’t a mere spirit… it is tangible… the Black King in the flesh!”

Losing all semblance of logical coherence, his eyes darted wildly in sheer panic.

“The Black King, an entity that has inhabited these depths for centuries, that monstrous being…”

His words, heavily weighted with raw terror, echoed ominously throughout the cavern.

“He is going to slaughter every single one of us who dared to step foot inside this Sword Tomb.”